The Congress is alleging that the trade deal is nothing but a surrender to American pressure, and the agriculture sector is likely to be seriously impacted. Some farmers’ bodies are also saying the same. What do you have to say?
The India-US trade deal has sent a message to the world that India’s policy is one of commitment, not compromise. With self-confidence, we make decisions in the country’s interest. All three Ds – diplomacy (meaning that the nation comes first), development (Viksit Bharat target by 2047) and dignity (of the farmers) – have been fully taken care of.
Prime Minister Modi had said he would not let the country bow and would not allow any harm to farmers’ interests. You will see in this trade deal that both these aspects have been fully taken care of.
There was no saudebaazi (underhand bargaining) in the deal, and it has been reached in the best interests of the country by a balanced approach with constructive dialogue. No product that would cause even the slightest harm to Indian farmers has been included in this agreement.
As for the Congress, despite ruling for years, the party had failed to connect farmers to global markets. Our FTAs are designed to do this. The trade agreement will now make our farmers more prosperous.
The Indian economy was the world’s sixth largest at the time of Independence, but was pushed down to the 11th position. We are now moving rapidly towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
The Congress, however, has further alleged that India would soon become a dumping ground for American products, which would hurt the interests of farmers and small and medium industries. There is also the fear of GM products entering India…
All such charges are baseless. Traditional US tariffs on Indian goods would reduce to about 18 per cent, opening massive opportunities for textiles, garments, leather, footwear, plastics, rubber products, organic chemicals, home décor, handicrafts and machinery. Tariffs on generic medicines, gems & jewellery, aircraft parts and several other goods would be reduced to zero, strengthening ‘Make in India’ and export competitiveness.
In agriculture, basmati rice and spices will benefit significantly, opening new markets for farmers in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Textile exports will also benefit cotton farmers.
The Congress ruled the country for years, but it neither connected farmers to any global market nor provided stability and growth to the Indian economy. On the contrary, the Indian economy, which was the world’s sixth largest at the time of Independence, was pushed down to the 11th position. Now, we are rapidly moving towards the third position. We are also connecting the Indian farmers to global markets so that their incomes increase.
What are the important takeaways from the deal?
India will not allow the entry of any genetically modified (GM) products. This, by itself, is a big decision and will preserve the purity of Indian agriculture. Our soil and our seeds will remain safe.
Go into the depth of it and see – all those agricultural products that are the core strength of our farmers have been kept out of this agreement. National interest is paramount; farmers’ interest is paramount.
Can you elaborate on this list?
No tariff concessions have been given to the US on products such as meat, poultry, dairy, soyabean, maize, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, moong, oilseeds, ethanol and tobacco. Also, de-husked grains and flour, potatoes, onions, peas, beans, cucumbers, mushrooms, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemons and mixed canned vegetables from the US would not be able to enter India. Dairy products, including liquid, powdered and condensed milk, cream, yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer, whey products and cheese, will also not be allowed entry into India. Other items, which are protected, include spices (such as black pepper, cloves, dried green chillies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, fenugreek, mustard, and other powdered spices).
What is the future of Indian agriculture after the deal?
India’s agricultural policy remains focused on protecting domestic producers while ensuring the long-term health of the country’s soil, seeds and food systems.